We’re thrilled to announce that “The Power to Inspire” Speaking Competition—sponsored by Alpha Resources—is returning to the 2025 LKS Convention in Pittsburgh! Last year, this event quickly became one of the most powerful and talked-about moments of the entire Convention weekend. It reminded us of what makes Lambda Kappa Sigma truly special: the power of sisterhood, the strength of storytelling, and the courage it takes to stand up and speak from the heart.
As we prepare for another year of moving messages and inspiring voices, we spoke with the 2024 first-place winners: Dixie Leikach, the Alumni Category Winner from the Epsilon Chapter – (University of Maryland, Baltimore School of Pharmacy) and current Alumni Association member, and Pia Maria, the Collegiate Category Winner from the Beta Epsilon Chapter ( University of Iowa). Their reflections offer an honest look at what this competition is all about—and why you should consider stepping up to the mic this year!
Why They Entered
For both Dixie and Pia, participating in “The Power to Inspire” meant stepping outside their comfort zones, even if for different reasons.
Dixie, who often speaks to large groups professionally, had never entered a speaking competition before. “I was intrigued by the idea of a competition,” she shared. “I thought it would be a learning experience.” Despite her experience with public speaking, the format and vulnerability of the event presented a new kind of challenge.
Pia, on the other hand, was a second-year pharmacy student who was admittedly terrified to participate—but that fear was exactly why she said yes. “It was something I was really scared to do,” she explained. “But I promised myself to do things I’m scared of during pharmacy school. I try to live by, ‘If it scares you, it’s probably worth it.’”
Sharing Their Stories
Each finalist was asked to prepare a 5–7 minute TED Talk–style speech on any topic that would move, uplift, or inspire their audience. The result? A stage full of vulnerability, authenticity, and powerful storytelling.
Dixie chose to speak about leadership—specifically the idea that anyone can be a leader, even when they feel unworthy of that title. “My topic was very personal,” she said. “I revealed information about myself that everyone in the room was unaware of.” She wanted to convey that our challenges and insecurities don’t disqualify us from achieving great things. “You can’t let your negative experiences keep you from doing the things you’re capable of, even when you don’t feel ‘worthy’ of the titles and accolades.”
Pia’s speech focused on bodily autonomy, inspired by her mother’s early teachings and her own work as an advocate for survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault. “Before pharmacy school, I worked as an advocate for survivors,” she said. “Even as a pharmacist, I will never stop advocating for them.” She emphasized how pharmacists are often on the front lines of healthcare and can play a critical role in identifying when patients need help. “I hope what people took away from my speech is that we are all in a position to help—and the most important thing we can do is believe survivors.”
The Process and the Payoff
Preparing for the competition wasn’t easy—but both women said the experience was well worth the effort.
Dixie’s biggest challenge? Memorizing the speech. “I didn’t want to use notes,” she said, “but I was nervous I’d forget something or lose my place.” Despite those nerves, she walked away from the experience with a deeper confidence in her ability to prepare and deliver a strong speech. “This experience made me more confident in my speaking ability. It also reinforced that having a prepared speech allows me to have my thoughts together ahead of time—and practice makes perfect.”
For Pia, the hardest part came at the beginning: writing the speech. “Honestly, my first draft makes me cringe,” she said with a laugh. “But with the guidance of the amazing speech coaches, I was able to turn it into something I’m still proud of.”
Once they stepped on stage, everything shifted. “It was empowering,” Dixie said. “Each of us has something unique within us that is inspiring to someone else.” Pia agreed. “To say I was nervous is an understatement, but once I was in front of all these amazing, supportive sisters, it felt exhilarating.”
What the Competition Meant
Both Pia and Dixie say the Power to Inspire competition left a lasting impression—not just on them as speakers, but as sisters and leaders.
For Dixie, the most meaningful part was seeing how everyone lifted each other up. “It wasn’t really a competition,” she said. “It was an exercise that boosted all our confidence. The other participants were so supportive—we worked together to make our presentations the best they could be.”
Pia shared that same sentiment. “The support I was given before, during, and after my speech by all these amazing women I had mostly never met before was absolutely incredible. LKS has shown me the magical power of sisterhood.”
Their Advice to You
So, should you enter The Power to Inspire this year?
Dixie says: “Just give it a try. You might be surprised by what you’re capable of. You’ll walk away stronger than when you started.”
Pia puts it simply: “Just do it. Worst case scenario—it’s a learning experience. And what’s bad about that?”
Both women described the experience as empowering—and it’s clear from their stories just how transformational it can be.
About the 2025 Competition
The Power to Inspire is more than a competition—it’s a journey of growth and connection. All finalists receive access to resources like speech writing workshops, personalized feedback from speaking coaches, and opportunities to rehearse their speech live at Convention before taking the main stage.
Finalists compete in two categories (Collegiate and Alumni), with the top three in each receiving cash prizes and certificates. The overall winner receives a free registration to the 2026 Convention and will serve as the emcee at next year’s event. Winners are also featured in spotlight interviews on LKS.org and in The Blue & Gold Triangle.
Whether you’re looking to grow as a speaker, develop your leadership skills, or share a message that matters to you—this is your chance.
Ready to Take the Stage?
Submissions for the 2025 competition are now open!
Written speech deadline: May 15, 2025
Video submission deadline: June 10, 2025
Live Final Round: Saturday, July 12, 2025 at Convention
Let your story be the one that inspires the next Dixie or Pia. Let your voice be heard. Let this be your Power to Inspire moment.
“The Power To Inspire” finalists from the 2024 Convention in Brookfield, WI, from left to right Desiree Schechterly, Pia Maria, Lexie Moss, Lexi Aidinovich, Dixie Leikach
